Ponderosa Campground

State: Utah

Open: Seasonal

Number of Sites: 29

Elevation: 6289

County: Juab

Free: No

Reservations: Yes - Check Recreation.gov for information

About: Ponderosa Campground is nestled in scenic Salt Creek Canyon just off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway in a Ponderosa pine forest just 10 miles from Nephi, Utah, elevation 6,200 feet. Aspens and maples dot the area, providing plentiful shade and privacy between sites. Salt Creek runs alongside the campground, offering rainbow trout fishing.

This campground contains several single-family sites with picnic tables and fire rings with grates. Some sites have BBQ grills. Vault toilets and potable water are provided. A campground host is located on-site. Roads and parking spurs are paved.

The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is just 1.5 miles away, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and vibrant summer wildflowers. Numerous hiking, biking, and horse trails begin a short distance from the campground. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through high alpine terrain, forests, and meadows. Devil’s Kitchen Geological Area is 6 miles away with a 1/2-mile roundtrip trail to interesting red rock hoodoos.

Fees: $14 for a single site (2011)

Water: Yes

Restrooms: Vault Toilet

Closest Town: Nephi

Directions: From Highway 15, take second Nephi exit to Ephram Manti. Go up Nephi Canyon to Salt Creek turnoff by the KOA Campground. Go north 3.5 miles to the Bear Canyon turnoff, follow to the left. The Ponderosa Campground is 1/2 mile up Bear Canyon.